Question

What is the national tree of India?
a. Ficus religiosa
b. Mangifera Indica
c. Ficus Benghalensis
d. Azadirachta indica

Answer 1

Hint: It is a huge, fast-growing, evergreen tree that has been extensively introduced across tropical and subtropical parts of the world. It has escaped from farming and has become naturalized in regular and disturbed areas. It creates large numbers of seeds that can be dispersed by both native and exotic birds. Its trees begin mounting on other trees as epiphytes and they at last mature, completely killing the host-tree.

Complete answer:
F. benghalensis produces from low altitudes to 600 meters mainly in monsoon and rain forests. However, it is drought resilient and withstands mild frost.

Azadirachta indica, generally known as neem is a tree in the family Meliaceae. It is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta and its inhabitant of the Indian subcontinent.

Mangifera indica, usually known as mango, is a species of flowering plant in the family Anacardiaceae. It is local to the Indian subcontinent where it is native. Ficus religiosa or holy fig is a species of fig inhabitant to the Indian subcontinent and Indochina that is from the family Moraceae, the fig or mulberry family. It is also called the bodhi tree or peepal tree.

The national tree of India is Ficus benghalensis (banyan tree). Banyan trees are present all over the tropical and subtropical parts of India. They signify the largest trees in the world by canopy exposure.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: F. benghalensis is a rapid-growing tree with the possibility to invade both disturbed and native ecosystems. This species is proficient in germinating in native host trees, where it matures as an epiphyte, ultimately killing the trees. The root system can harm buildings and sidewalks. The tree can also mature in fence-posts, rocks, bridges, buildings, and extra structures, finally engulfing the hosts.